While we take precautions to make our campus safe, recent news articles about violent crimes at universities and elsewhere remind us of the fact that the risk of crime remains part of modern life. There are, however, a number of simple things you can do on and off campus to enhance your safety.

IN THE RESIDENCE HALLS

Our residence hall entrances are designed to prevent access by nonresidents, but when doors are propped open or held open for strangers, the system is compromised. Also, please do not sign in anyone to the residence halls whom you do not know. Do your part to ensure that only residents and their escorted guests are permitted into the living quarters of our residence halls.

If someone seems out of place, notify a resident assistant or the service desk right away.

Lock your door, even when you are just going down the hall for a few minutes. It takes only a few seconds for someone to enter an open room and steal something or cause damage.

WHEN DRINKING

If you are of age and drink alcohol, set a limit and stick to it. Don't drink on an empty stomach. Be on guard…alcohol affects judgment and lowers inhibitions, leading to risky behavior that would be avoided otherwise.

Don't leave a drink unattended. Someone could have tampered with it. If you are away from your drink for a while, toss it. It's not worth the risk.

Have a designated non-drinking partner to help ensure your transportation and help you make decisions should your thinking become impaired.

AT PARTIES

Travel in groups. There's safety in numbers. Employ a buddy system, and if you are going to separate from your group, tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Take a cell phone.

If you are hosting the party, designate a host. The host has four jobs: (1) to prevent strangers from entering the party (because you don't want to be responsible for their behavior); (2) to keep an eye out for people who have had too much to drink; (3) to stop underage drinking and (4) to make sure nobody drives drunk. Most good parties require a little planning, and your plans should include multiple activities so that the primary focus is not on drinking.

Treat your campus as your home. If you are inviting people to campus for an activity, you are inviting them to your home. Invite only those people to campus whom you would welcome into your home. Help us keep you safe.

Remember that the Student Code of Conduct applies to your behavior on and off campus. Don't jeopardize your academic career by letting things get out of hand, no matter where you are.

WALKING ON CAMPUS

If you feel threatened, cross the street, locate an emergency phone, or enter a store or place of business even if you have just left it. There are about 230 emergency phones located across campus, many of them distinguished by their blue lights. Operational around the clock, the phones connect directly to our police dispatcher.

Have your keys ready when approaching your car or building.

Members of the Student Escort Service will accompany you to any campus building or parking lot between 5 p.m. and midnight on any night. Call 330-972-7263.

We would encourage you to program the University’s emergency line into your cell phone: 330-972-7123. If you are walking on campus and need us, or if you see something suspicious, call us directly or use any of the emergency phones located across campus. And, of course, 911 works anywhere (though dialing 911 on a cell phone in Ohio will connect you to the State Highway Patrol rather than to a local dispatcher directly).

HELP IS AVAILABLE

If you or someone you know needs help with a problem, there are a number of University services available. A good place to start is our Counseling, Testing and Career Center, where you can receive free counseling and guidance. The center's phone number is 330-972-7082. Other options are the Residence Life and Housing staff, Health Services (330-972-7808) and Student Affairs (330-972-6048).

Your safety is important to us. Our campus is as safe as most suburbs, and we will continue to do our part to further enhance campus safety. Please do your part by exercising good judgment and by keeping these points in mind.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Denine M. RoccoAssociate Vice President and Dean of Student Life

Paul CallahanAssistant Vice President for Campus Safety Chief, University Police

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